Scripture for Today:  Psalms 61:2  “From the end of the earth will I cry to You.  When my heart is overwhelmed and fainting, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.”

I see this rock every time I take my walk up in the vineyards behind our house.  It is placed about where I turn around and head home.  There is something reassuring about its presence.  I wonder how long it has been sitting there.  It is big and strong and solid.  I do not have to wonder if it will be there tomorrow.

I love the image of the rock in Scripture.  The Lord is spoken of as our Rock in numerous passages, especially in the Psalms.  This rock image is used to connote strength, protection and permanence.

In today’s verse the image of the rock speaks to our fatigue and weakness.  The prayer of the Psalmist is that he would be led to the Rock.  That tells me that the Rock is not necessarily in my line of vision during those times when I am overwhelmed.  When my heart is fainting within me, I am not seeing too clearly.  The Rock is even higher than I am, and yet I need to be led to it.

My first inclination when overwhelmed is not always to cry out to the Lord.  But what a wonderful promise is written here that when I do, He comes to my aid.  He leads me to a place of strength and refreshment for my spirit.  This Rock is higher, bigger and better than any of my feeble attempts to tough it out on my own.  His strength is constant and constantly available.  With His strength I can be strong, firm and steadfast! (I Peter 5:10)

Lord, please be my Rock today.